Inclusiveness can help make Rochester become a world class city says visitor

Join our online discussion to build a stronger region

Who is it that cares? asked Harvey Gantt of this news organization's Unite Rochester initiative, which seeks to bridge the racial and economic gaps that threaten this community's future.

Obviously the first African-American mayor of Charlotte, N.C., and a black history icon in his own right, was looking beyond those sitting around the table during Tuesday's Editorial Board meeting. Gantt, also a noted architect who 50 years ago last week became the first African-American to integrate previously all-white Clemson University in South Carolina, was making the point that all facets of the community must see the value of the Unite Rochester undertaking. They must connect how lifting all boats can better their lives or self-interests.

The existence of two Rochesters - one largely poor and minority and the other predominantly white and prosperous - ought to be worrisome enough. The thought of this situation worsening hardly bodes well for Rochester in 10 or 20 years providing an attractive, high quality of life.

A rebounding Rochester is on a path to become a thriving high-tech, knowledge-based community. But if adequate attention isn't given to the obvious problems related to race and inequities, it will become even more segregated, with too many citizens living in mentally and physically gated neighborhoods.

The goal, Gantt suggested, should be making Rochester a world class community acclaimed for substantive progress in addressing inequities such as a shameful child poverty rate, poor schools and high joblessness - all among people of color.

Rochester and the region have a national reputation for collaboration and caring. Those are just two attributes that can help build the kind of stellar community Gantt described. Joining the conversation at blogs.democratandchronicle.com/unite or www.facebook.com/Unite-ROC is a good place to start.